JP2009267946A - Image recording apparatus and image recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image recording apparatus and an image recording method, capable of providing image data suitable to an output destination display device at a high speed when outputting the images suitable for various kinds of display devices. <P>SOLUTION: A header information analyzing section 86 reads the header of an image file F10 designated by an image display instruction, and reads the resolutions of image data P1 to Pn included in the image file F10. If the image file F10 does not include image data of the resolution corresponding to the display resolution determined by the reproduction display resolution determining section 82, a display image resolution converting section 92 converts the image data of a lager size than the display resolution into image data of a resolution adaptive to the display resolution. An image file additionally recording section 96 adds the image data P(n+1) generated by the display image resolution converting section 92 to an expansion data region A12 of the image file F10 and records the data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for outputting recorded image data to a display device.

  In a display device that displays an image based on display data on an image display means, Patent Document 1 discloses that display data to be scrolled is thinned at the time of scroll display, and an image based on the thinned display data is displayed on a predetermined display of the image display means. It is disclosed to display in a partial area.

Patent Document 2 stores high-speed application image data compressed at a high compression rate and high-quality application image data compressed at a low compression rate for one of the images, and performs zoom or scroll operations. An image processing apparatus is disclosed that reads high-speed application image data when it is in the middle, and reads high-quality application image data when it is not in a zoom or scroll operation.
JP-A-9-81084 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-34517

  The types of display devices are diversified, and the size (resolution) of an image suitable for display is different for each type of display device. However, it is difficult to prepare various image data for each type of display device in advance. Further, if image data is converted every time the output destination display device changes, there is a problem that the conversion process takes time and is wasteful.

  Patent Document 2 stores two types of image data, high-speed application image data and high-quality application image data, but it does not deal with the variety of types of display devices. Further, Patent Document 2 does not define the structure of image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is capable of providing image data suitable for an output destination display device at high speed when outputting an image to various types of display devices. An object is to provide an apparatus and an image recording method.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image recording unit that records an image file in which image data is stored, and a display instruction that receives an input of a display instruction for the image file. Means for acquiring output destination information indicating the resolution of the display device that is the output destination of the image file specified by the display instruction, and a display mode of the image file specified by the display instruction. Display mode information acquisition means for acquiring display mode information to be displayed, and display resolution calculation means for calculating a display resolution when an image is displayed using the image file, based on the output destination information and the display mode information. Image data generating means for generating display image data of the display resolution from image data in the image file; and the display image data The and an image data additional recording means additionally records in the image file.

  According to the first aspect, since the image data of the display image size once displayed is additionally recorded in the image file, the image data with the optimum resolution is to be output next time when the image data is output to the image display device of the same display image size. It can be provided at high speed.

  The image recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the display image data generation means does not include image data suitable for the display resolution in the image file. In addition, the display image data having the display resolution is generated.

  In the image recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, an automatic additional recording mode for additionally recording the display image data in the image file, and the display image data Is further provided with a switching means for switching the mode between the non-addition recording mode in which the image is not additionally recorded in the image file.

  The image recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising selection means for receiving an instruction to select whether or not to additionally record the display image data in the image file. Prepare.

  According to the third or fourth aspect, it is possible to prevent the image data from being additionally recorded in the image recording unit and the free space from being lost.

  An image recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to any of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a free capacity detecting means for detecting a free capacity of the image recording means, wherein the image data additional recording means is When the free space is a predetermined value or more, the display image data is additionally recorded in the image file, and when the free space is less than the predetermined value, the display image data is stored in the image file. The configuration is such that no additional recording is performed.

  According to the fifth aspect, the image data is stored in the image recording unit by selecting whether to additionally record the display image data converted into the display resolution in the image file according to the free space of the image recording unit. It is possible to prevent additional recording and free space from running out.

  The image recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the additional recorded facial expression image data is rearranged in ascending order of data size in the image file. In addition.

  According to the sixth aspect, the time required for reading and displaying the image data in the image file can be shortened.

  An image recording method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention receives an input of a display instruction for an image file storing image data recorded in an image recording means, and outputs an output destination of the image file specified by the display instruction Output destination information indicating the resolution of the display method, obtaining display mode information indicating the display mode of the image file specified by the display instruction, based on the output destination information and the display mode information, A display resolution when displaying an image using an image file is calculated, display image data having the display resolution is generated from image data in the image file, and the display image data is stored in the image file. It is configured to additionally record.

  The image recording method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image recording method according to the seventh aspect, wherein the image file suitable for the display resolution is not included in the image file. It is configured to generate data.

  The image recording method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image recording method according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein an automatic additional recording mode for additionally recording the display image data in the image file, and the display image data. Is switched to a non-addition recording mode in which no additional recording is performed in the image file.

  An image recording method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is configured to receive a selection instruction as to whether or not to additionally record the display image data in the image file in the seventh or eighth aspect. Is.

  An image recording method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image recording method according to any of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein the display image is detected when the free space of the image recording means is detected and the free space is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Data is additionally recorded in the image file, and the display image data is not additionally recorded in the image file when the free space is less than a predetermined value.

  An image recording method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in the seventh to eleventh aspects, the additionally recorded facial expression image data is rearranged in the image file in ascending order of data size. Is.

  According to the present invention, since image data of the display image size once displayed is additionally recorded in the image file, the image data with the optimum resolution is provided when the image data is output to the image display device of the same display image size next time. Can do. As a result, in the image recording apparatus, it is possible to reduce the load associated with the resolution conversion process, to realize power saving, and to increase the display speed.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image recording apparatus and an image recording method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a photographing apparatus to which an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus 10 is an electronic camera having a function of recording and reproducing still images and moving images, and the overall operation of the image recording apparatus 10 is centrally controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 12. .

  The CPU 12 functions as a control unit that controls the camera system according to a predetermined program, and performs various calculations such as automatic exposure (AE) calculation, automatic focus control (AF) calculation, and white balance (WB) adjustment calculation. Functions as a calculation means.

  The power supply circuit 14 supplies power to each block of the camera system.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 20 and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 22 are connected to the CPU 12 via a bus 18. The ROM 20 stores programs executed by the CPU 12, various data necessary for control, and the like, and the EEPROM 22 stores various constants / information related to camera operations.

  A memory (SDRAM, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 24 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 12, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data. A video random access memory (VRAM) 26 is a temporary storage memory dedicated to image data, and includes an A area and a B area. The memory 24 and the VRAM 26 can be shared.

  The image recording apparatus 10 is provided with operation switches 16 such as a power switch, a mode selection switch, a shooting mode changeover switch, a release button, a menu / OK key, a cross key, and a cancel key. A signal from the operation switch 16 is input to the CPU 12, and the CPU 12 controls each circuit of the image recording apparatus 10 based on the input signal. For example, lens drive control, shooting operation control, image processing control, and image data recording / reproduction. Control and display control of the image display unit 68 are performed.

  The power switch is an operation means for switching the power of the image recording apparatus 10 on and off.

  The mode selection switch is an operation means for switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode.

  The shooting mode switch is an operation unit that switches the shooting mode of the image recording apparatus 10. The shooting mode of the image recording apparatus 10 optimizes focus and exposure according to the scene position (for example, natural photo, person, landscape, sports, night view, underwater shooting, close-up shooting (flowers etc.) or text shooting), for example. The mode can be switched between a scene position mode for shooting, an auto mode for automatically setting focus and exposure, a manual mode in which focus and exposure can be set manually, or a moving image shooting mode.

  The release button is an operation means for inputting an instruction to start photographing, and is composed of a two-stroke switch having an S1 switch that is turned on when half-pressed and an S2 switch that is turned on when fully pressed.

  The menu / OK key is an operation having a function as a menu button for instructing to display a menu on the screen of the image display unit 68 and a function as an OK button for instructing confirmation and execution of the selection contents. Key.

  The cross key is an operation unit for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right. An operation unit (cursor moving operation unit) for selecting an item from a menu screen or instructing selection of various setting items from each menu. is there. The up and down keys of the cross key function as a zoom switch in shooting mode or a playback zoom switch in playback mode, and the left and right keys are frame advance (forward / reverse feed) buttons in playback mode. Function as.

  The cancel key is used to delete a desired target such as a selection item, cancel an instruction content, or return to the previous operation state.

  The flash button is a button for switching the flash mode. When the flash button is pressed under the photographing mode, the flash mode is set to each mode of flash emission / flash inhibition.

  The image display unit 68 includes a liquid crystal monitor capable of color display. The image display unit 68 can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting, and is used as a means for reproducing and displaying a recorded image. The image display unit 68 is also used as a display screen for a user interface, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents. In addition to the liquid crystal monitor, other types of display devices such as organic EL (electro-luminescence) can be used as the image display unit 68.

  The image recording apparatus 10 includes a media mounting unit (not shown), and a recording medium 30 can be detachably mounted on the media mounting unit. The form of the recording medium 30 is not particularly limited, and various types such as a xD picture card (registered trademark), a semiconductor memory card represented by smart media (registered trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. Media can be used. The media controller 28 performs necessary signal conversion in order to exchange input / output signals suitable for the recording medium 30 mounted in the media socket.

  The image recording apparatus 10 also includes an external connection interface unit (external connection I / F) 32 as a communication unit for connecting to a personal computer or other external devices. When the image recording apparatus 10 is connected to an external device via the external connection I / F 32, data can be transferred to and from the external device. As a communication method between the image recording apparatus 10 and the external device, for example, USB, IEEE1394, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted.

  Next, the photographing function of the image recording apparatus 10 will be described. When the photographing mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied to the photographing unit including the image pickup device (CCD) 48, and the photographing is ready. In the present embodiment, a CCD is used as the image sensor 48. However, for example, another type of solid-state image sensor (for example, CMOS) may be used.

  The lens unit 38 is an optical unit that includes a photographic lens 40 including a focus lens 42 and a zoom lens 44, and a diaphragm / mechanical shutter 46. Focusing at the time of photographing is performed by moving the focus lens 42 by the focus motor 42A, and zooming is performed by moving the zoom lens 44 by the zoom motor 44A. The focus motor 42A and the zoom motor 44A are driven and controlled by a focus motor driver 42B and a zoom motor driver 44B, respectively. The CPU 12 outputs control signals to the focus motor driver 42B and the zoom motor driver 44B for control.

  The diaphragm 46 is formed of a so-called turret-type diaphragm. For example, the diaphragm 46 (F value) is changed by rotating a turret plate having diaphragm holes F2.8 to F8. The diaphragm 46 is driven by an iris motor 46A. The iris motor 46A is driven and controlled by an iris motor driver 46B. The CPU 12 controls the iris motor driver 46B by outputting a control signal.

  The light that has passed through the lens unit 38 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 48. A number of light receiving elements (for example, photodiodes) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 48, and the primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) correspond to the respective light receiving elements. The filters are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure. The CCD 48 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each light receiving element. The CPU 12 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 48 by a timing generator (TG) 56. Further, the CPU 12 adjusts the upper limit value of the signal charge accumulated in the light receiving element of the CCD 48 by controlling the potential of the OFD (Overflow Drain) with respect to the CCD 48.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 48 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each light receiving element. The signal charge accumulated in each light receiving element is sequentially read out as an analog voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the TG 56 in accordance with a command from the CPU 12.

  The analog voltage signal read from the CCD 48 is sent to an analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 50. Then, in the analog processing unit 50, the R, G, B signals for each pixel (dot sequential) are sampled and held (correlated double sampling processing) and amplified, and then added to the A / D converter 52 and A / D D-converted. The dot sequential R, G and B signals converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 52 are stored in the memory 24 via the image input controller 54. The amplification gains of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit 50 correspond to shooting sensitivity (ISO sensitivity). The CPU 12 sets the photographing sensitivity by adjusting the amplification gain.

  The image signal processing circuit 58 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with a color filter array of a single CCD), a white balance adjustment circuit, a gradation It functions as an image processing means including a conversion processing circuit (for example, a gamma correction circuit), a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and the like, and the R stored in the memory 24 is used while utilizing the memory 24 according to a command from the CPU 12. , G and B signals are subjected to predetermined signal processing.

  The R, G, and B signals input to the image signal processing circuit 58 are converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) by the image signal processing circuit 58, and gradation conversion processing (for example, , Gamma correction) and the like are performed. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 58 is stored in the VRAM 26.

  When the captured image is output to the image display unit 68 on the monitor, the image data is read from the VRAM 26 and sent to the display control unit 66 via the bus 18. The display control unit 66 converts the input image data into a predetermined video signal for display (for example, an NTSC color composite image signal) and outputs the video signal to the image display unit 68.

  Image data representing an image for one frame is rewritten alternately in the A area and the B area of the VRAM 26 by the image signal output from the CCD 48. Of the A area and B area of the VRAM 26, the written image data is read from an area other than the area where the image data is rewritten. In this way, the image data in the VRAM 26 is periodically rewritten, and an image signal generated from the image data is supplied to the image display unit 68, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the image display unit 68 in real time. Is done. The photographer can check the shooting angle of view from a live view image (hereinafter referred to as a through image) displayed on the image display unit 68.

  When the release button is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, the image recording apparatus 10 starts AE and AF processing. That is, the image signal output from the CCD 48 is input to the AF detection circuit 60 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 62 via the image input controller 54 after A / D conversion.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 62 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of divided areas (for example, 8 × 8 or 16 × 16) and integrates R, G, and B signals for each divided area. The value is provided to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 62, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. The CPU 12 determines an aperture value and a shutter speed according to the obtained exposure value and a predetermined program diagram, and controls the electronic shutter and iris of the CCD 48 according to this to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  Furthermore, the CPU 12 sends a command to the flash control circuit 34 to operate it when the flash emission mode is set. The flash control circuit 34 includes a main capacitor for supplying a current for causing the flash light emitting unit 36 (discharge tube) to emit light. In accordance with a flash light emission command from the CPU 12, the main capacitor charging control and the flash light emitting unit 36 are performed. The discharge (light emission) timing and discharge time are controlled. As the flash light emitting means, it is also possible to use an LED instead of the discharge tube.

  Further, the AE / AWB detection circuit 62 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 obtains an integrated value of R, an integrated value of B, and an integrated value of G, obtains a ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and calculates R / G and R / G of the values of B / G. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of the G and B / G axis coordinates, and the gain value (white balance gain) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is determined according to the determined light source type. Control and correct the signal of each color channel.

  For the AF control in the image recording apparatus 10, for example, contrast AF that moves the focus lens 42 so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the image signal is maximized is applied. In other words, the AF detection circuit 60 cuts out a signal in a focus target area set in advance in a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The accumulated value data obtained by the AF detection circuit 60 is notified to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while moving the focus lens 42 by controlling the focus motor driver 42B, and adjusts the lens position where the calculated focus evaluation value is maximized. Determine as the focal position. Then, the CPU 12 controls the focus motor driver 42B so as to move the focus lens 42 to the obtained in-focus position. The calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to a mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used.

  When the release button is pressed halfway, AE / AF processing is performed by turning on S1. When the release button is fully pressed after S1 is turned on, the recording operation starts for recording when S2 is turned on. The image data acquired in response to S2 ON is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image signal processing circuit 58, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the memory 24. The

  The Y / C signal stored in the memory 24 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression circuit 64 and then recorded on the recording medium 30 via the media controller 28. For example, still images are recorded as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, and moving images are recorded as AVI (Audio Video Interleaving) format image files.

  When the playback mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the compressed data of the final image file (last recorded image file) recorded on the recording medium 30 is read. When the image file related to the last recording is a still image file, the read compressed image data is expanded to an uncompressed Y / C signal by the compression / expansion circuit 64, and the image signal processing circuit 58 and the display control unit 66. After being converted to a display signal via, it is output to the image display unit 68. As a result, the image content of the image file is displayed as a through image on the screen of the image display unit 68.

  Switching the playback target image file by operating the right or left key of the four-way controller during single-frame playback of a still image (including the playback of the first frame of a movie) (forward frame reverse / reverse frame forward) Can do. The image file at the position where the frame is advanced is read from the recording medium 30 and reproduced and displayed on the image display unit 68.

[Display control processing]
Next, control when an image file is output from the image recording apparatus 10 and displayed will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing display control by the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the selection of the image file in the recording medium 30 and the designation of the output destination image display device (monitor) 98 and the playback display mode are received from the image display instruction receiving unit of the operation switch 16.

  When an image display instruction is input, the reproduction display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the reproduction display mode. Here, the reproduction display mode is, for example, information acquired from the driver software of the output destination image display device (monitor) 98, and the resolution settings of the output destination image display device 98 and the image display device 98 are set. Information to be identified and information indicating a display mode (for example, list display (thumbnail display), full screen display, micro thumbnail display that further reduces thumbnail images and displays more on the screen).

  When an image display instruction is input, the display resolution determination unit 82 determines the display resolution for displaying an image according to the playback display mode.

  The image acquisition unit 84 reads the image file F10 designated by the image display instruction from the recording medium 30.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the image file F10, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the header of the image file F10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image file F10 is an image file including a plurality of image data, and includes a main image area A10 and an extended data area A12. In the main image area A10, unconverted image data P1 is stored as main image data (representative image data). Image data P2,..., Pn are stored in the extended data area A12.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main image area A10 of the image file F10 includes additional information (header information, APPx Header). In the IFD0 area of the additional information (APPx Header), (unique) ID information unique to the image file and MP file management information D10 are stored. Here, the MP file management information D10 includes information indicating that the image file F10 is a multi-picture file, that is, includes the extended data area A12 after the main image area A10, and the resolution of each of the image data P1,. Is included. When acquiring the MP file management information D10, the image recording apparatus 10 determines that the image file F10 is a multi-picture file.

  Additional information (Header) is individually added to the image data P2,..., Pn in the extension data area A12.

  Note that SOI (Start of Image) and EOI (End of Image) in the figure are markers indicating the read start position and end position of each image data, respectively.

  The header information analysis unit 86 reads the header of the image file F10 designated by the image display instruction, and reads the resolution of the image data P1, ..., Pn included in the image file F10.

  Based on the header information, the display image determination unit 88 is equal to the display resolution determined by the display resolution determination unit 82 (or smaller than the display resolution determined by the display resolution determination unit 82, or determined by the display resolution determination unit 82). It is determined whether or not image data having a resolution smaller than the displayed display resolution and a resolution difference equal to or smaller than a predetermined value is in the image file F10.

  When it is determined that the image data having a resolution equal to or smaller than the display resolution determined by the display resolution determining unit 82 is present in the image file F10, the display image selecting unit 90 is a display image switching unit. 94 is controlled to display the image data on the output image display device 98.

On the other hand, the display image resolution conversion unit 92 determines that there is no image data having a resolution equal to or smaller than the display resolution determined by the display resolution determination unit 82 in the image file F10. The image data having a resolution higher than that is converted into image data having a resolution suitable for the display resolution. The display image selection section 90 controls the display image switching section 94 to output the image data generated by the display image resolution conversion section 92 to the image display device 98. The image file addition recording section 96 is shown in FIG. As shown, the image data P (n + 1) generated by the display image resolution conversion unit 92 is subjected to predetermined processing (for example, addition of header information, color space conversion processing, compression processing) to expand the image file F10. In addition to recording in the data area A12, the storage position information and resolution information of the image data P (n + 1) are written in the multi-picture file management information D10.

  Table 1 shows the relationship between the image display device 98 that is the output destination, the display mode, and the display resolution.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the imaging device 10A (maximum display resolution is QVGA, the imaging element is 10M pixels) to the imaging device 10B (maximum display resolution is HD-TV (1920 × 1080 pixels, 2M pixels), When the recording medium 30 is replaced with an image sensor of 10 M pixels) and display is performed on the image pickup apparatus 10B, as shown in FIG. 6B, image data P2 (240 × 180 pixels) and image data for thumbnail display are displayed. P3 (1920 × 1080 pixels) is additionally recorded in the image file F10.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the resolution conversion flag is set to “0” (step S10). Then, the reproduction display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the reproduction display mode (step S12).

  Next, when an image display instruction is input (Yes in step S14), the display resolution determining unit 82 calculates and determines the display resolution corresponding to the playback display mode (step S16).

  Next, the image file F10 to be displayed is read (step S18), and the header information of the image file F10 is analyzed (step S20). Then, based on the multi-picture file management information D10 of the header information, it is determined whether the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (step S22).

  If the display image data is not stored in the image file F10 (No in step S22), image data larger than the display resolution is converted into the display resolution among the image data in the image file F10 (step S24). The resolution conversion flag is set to “1” (step S26). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S28).

  On the other hand, when the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (Yes in step S22), the display image data is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S28).

  Next, when the resolution conversion flag is “1” (Yes in step S30), the display image data converted into the display resolution is additionally recorded in the extended data area A12 of the image file F10 (step S32).

  Next, when the frame is advanced (No in step S34, Yes in S36), after the resolution conversion flag is reset to “0”, the process returns to step S18, and steps S18 to S36 are performed for the next image file. Is repeated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the reproduction display mode acquisition process.

  First, when display output is performed from the image recording device 10 to the external image display device 98 (No in step S40, Yes in S42), resolution information (monitor resolution) is acquired from the image display device 98 (step S44). ).

  On the other hand, when display output is performed on the main body of the image recording apparatus 10 (Yes in step S40), the resolution of the image display unit 68 is acquired (step S46).

  Next, the display mode (for example, full-screen display, thumbnail display, micro-thumbnail display) of the image designated by the image playback display instruction unit is acquired (step S48), and displayed based on the output destination resolution and display mode. The resolution is calculated (step S50).

  According to the present embodiment, since the image data of the display image size once displayed is additionally recorded in the image file F10, the image data with the optimum resolution is output when it is output to the image display device 98 of the same display image size next time. Can be provided. As a result, in the image recording apparatus 10, it is possible to reduce the load associated with the resolution conversion process, to realize power saving, and to increase the display speed. Also, usually, immediately after the image is displayed, there is a non-operation period during which the user does not perform an operation input to view the image. Therefore, display image data converted to the display resolution is added during this non-operation period. By recording, there is no time loss.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing display control by the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The image recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment further includes an additional write instruction input unit 100. The additional recording instruction input unit 100 includes an automatic additional recording mode for additionally recording the image data converted and generated according to the display resolution of the image display device 98 that is the output destination, and a non-addition recording mode for performing no additional recording. Mode switching input is accepted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the resolution conversion flag is set to “0” (step S60). Then, the reproduction display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the reproduction display mode (step S62).

  Next, when an image display instruction is input (Yes in step S64), the display resolution determining unit 82 calculates and determines the display resolution corresponding to the playback display mode (step S66).

  Next, the image file F10 to be displayed is read (step S68), and the header information of the image file F10 is analyzed (step S70). Then, based on the multi-picture file management information D10 of the header information, it is determined whether or not the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (step S72).

  When the display image data is not stored in the image file F10 (No in step S72), image data larger than the display resolution is converted into the display resolution among the image data in the image file F10 (step S74). The resolution conversion flag is set to “1” (step S76). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S78).

  On the other hand, when the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (Yes in step S72), the display image data is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S78).

  Next, when the resolution conversion flag is “1” and the automatic additional recording mode is selected (Yes in step S80), the display image data converted into the display resolution is additionally recorded in the extended data area A12 of the image file F10. (Step S82).

  Next, when the frame is advanced (No in step S84, Yes in S86), the resolution conversion flag is reset to “0”, and then the process returns to step S68 to perform steps S68 to S86 for the next image file. Is repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, by switching between the automatic additional recording mode and the non-additional recording mode, it is possible to prevent the image data from being additionally recorded on the recording medium 30 and the free space from being lost.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the case of an image display mode in which image data is converted and generated in accordance with the display resolution, whether or not the generated image data is additionally recorded in the image file F10 is selected every time the image data is converted or generated. It is what I did.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the resolution conversion flag is set to “0” (step S90). Then, the reproduction display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the reproduction display mode (step S92).

  Next, when an image display instruction is input (Yes in step S94), the display resolution determining unit 82 calculates and determines the display resolution corresponding to the playback display mode (step S96).

  Next, the image file F10 to be displayed is read (step S98), and the header information of the image file F10 is analyzed (step S100). Then, based on the multi-picture file management information D10 of the header information, it is determined whether or not the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (step S102).

  When the display image data is not stored in the image file F10 (No in step S102), image data larger than the display resolution among the image data in the image file F10 is converted to the display resolution (step S104). The resolution conversion flag is set to “1” (step S106). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S108).

  On the other hand, when the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (Yes in step S102), the display image data is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S108).

  Next, when the resolution conversion flag is “1” (Yes in step S110), the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed in the image file F10 in the image display device 98 or the image display unit 68 as the output destination. An input screen as to whether or not to additionally record is output (step S112). When an operation input for additionally recording the display image data converted into the display resolution is received in the image file F10 (Yes in step S112), the display image data converted into the display resolution is expanded from the image file F10. It is additionally recorded in the data area A12 (step S114).

  Next, when the frame is advanced (No in step S116, Yes in S118), the resolution conversion flag is reset to “0”, and then the process returns to step S98 to perform steps S98 to S118 for the next image file. Is repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, every time image data corresponding to the display resolution is generated, the image data is additionally recorded on the recording medium 30 by causing the user to select whether or not to additionally record the image data in the image file F10. It is possible to prevent running out of free space.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The image recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment further includes an image recording area remaining capacity determination unit 102 (hereinafter referred to as a remaining capacity determination unit 102). The remaining capacity determination unit 102 detects the free capacity (remaining capacity) of the recording medium 30 and when image data corresponding to the display resolution is generated, the image data is additionally recorded in the image file F10 according to the free capacity. Choose whether or not.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the resolution conversion flag is set to “0” (step S120). Then, the reproduction display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the reproduction display mode (step S122).

  Next, when an image display instruction is input (Yes in step S124), the display resolution determining unit 82 calculates and determines the display resolution corresponding to the playback display mode (step S126).

  Next, the image file F10 to be displayed is read (step S128), and the header information of the image file F10 is analyzed (step S130). Then, based on the multi-picture file management information D10 of the header information, it is determined whether the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (step S132).

  If the display image data is not stored in the image file F10 (No in step S132), image data larger than the display resolution among the image data in the image file F10 is converted to the display resolution (step S134). The resolution conversion flag is set to “1” (step S136). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S138).

  On the other hand, when the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (Yes in step S132), the display image data is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S138).

  Next, when the resolution conversion flag is “1” (Yes in step S140), it is determined whether or not the free space of the recording medium 30 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (step S142). If the free capacity of the recording medium 30 is less than the predetermined value (No in step S142), a warning message is displayed on the image display device 98 or the image display unit 68 that is the output destination (step S144). In response to the warning message, the user can select and input whether to additionally record the display image data converted into the display resolution in the image file F10. On the other hand, if the free space of the recording medium 30 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes in step S142), the display image data converted into the display resolution is additionally recorded in the extended data area A12 of the image file F10 (step S146). ).

  Next, when the frame is advanced (No in step S148, Yes in S150), the resolution conversion flag is reset to “0”, and then the process returns to step S128, and steps S128 to S150 are performed for the next image file. Is repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, image data is added to the recording medium 30 by selecting whether to additionally record the display image data converted into the display resolution in the image file F10 according to the free space of the recording medium 30. It is possible to prevent the recorded space from running out. For example, the upper limit value of the recording capacity of the recording medium 30 when additional recording is permitted (for example, additional recording is permitted up to 95% of the total recording capacity), or the lower limit value of the free capacity of the recording medium 30 (for example, free space) Can be added until the capacity becomes less than 2M.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the resolution conversion flag is set to “0” (step S160). Then, the playback display mode acquisition unit 80 acquires the playback display mode (step S162).

  Next, when an image display instruction is input (Yes in step S164), the display resolution determining unit 82 calculates and determines the display resolution corresponding to the playback display mode (step S166).

  Next, the image file F10 to be displayed is read (step S168), and the header information of the image file F10 is analyzed (step S170). Then, based on the multi-picture file management information D10 of the header information, it is determined whether or not display image data is stored in the image file F10 (step S172).

  When the display image data is not stored in the image file F10 (No in step S172), image data larger than the display resolution among the image data in the image file F10 is converted to the display resolution (step S174). The resolution conversion flag is set to “1” (step S176). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S178).

  On the other hand, when the display image data is stored in the image file F10 (Yes in step S172), the display image data is displayed on the image display device 98 (step S178).

  Next, when the resolution conversion flag is “1” (Yes in step S180), if the image file F10 is a multi-picture file, the image data in the extended data area A12 is in ascending order of data size (in order of decreasing resolution). Sorting is performed, and the multi-picture file management information D10 is updated (step S182). Then, the display image data converted into the display resolution is additionally recorded at an appropriate position in the extended data area A12 of the image file F10 (step S184). The display image data converted to the display resolution may be added and then sorted.

  Next, when the frame is advanced (No in step S186, Yes in S188), after the resolution conversion flag is reset to “0”, the process returns to step S168, and steps S168 to S188 are performed for the next image file. Is repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, image data in the extended data area A12 of the image file F10 (for example, thumbnail display for HD-TV (FIG. 6) is arranged by arranging the image data in the extended data area A12 in ascending order of data size. (B)))) can be read and displayed.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an image recording apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The image recording apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and performs reading of a recording image file from the photographing apparatus or the memory card 214, storage of the recording image file, editing, and the like. It is a device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a central processing unit (CPU) 202 is connected to each block in the image recording apparatus 200 via a bus 204 and controls the operation of each block.

  The main memory 206 includes a storage area for storing the control program and a work area for executing the program.

  The hard disk device 208 stores an operating system (OS) of the image recording apparatus 200, various application software, an image file read from the camera 236 or the memory card 214.

  The CD-ROM device 210 reads data from a CD-ROM (not shown).

  A card interface unit (card I / F) 212 reads image data from the memory card 214.

  The display memory 216 temporarily stores display data. The monitor 218 is composed of, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor or a liquid crystal monitor, and displays images, characters, and the like based on image data, character data, and the like output from the display memory 216.

  The image recording apparatus 200 includes a keyboard 220 and a mouse 222 as operation units that receive operation inputs from the user. The keyboard 220 and mouse 222 input signals to the CPU 202 in response to operation inputs from the user. The mouse controller 224 detects the state of the mouse 222 and outputs signals such as the position of the mouse pointer on the monitor 218 and the state of the mouse 222 to the CPU 202. In addition to the mouse 222, a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like can be used as the pointing device.

  A microphone 228 and a speaker 230 are connected to the audio input / output circuit 226, and various audio signals are input, and various operation sounds are reproduced and output in response to operation inputs from the keyboard 220 and the like.

  The communication interface unit (communication I / F) 232 performs predetermined signal conversion and signal transfer when performing communication via the network NW.

  The camera connection interface unit (camera connection I / F) 234 performs predetermined signal conversion and signal transfer when data is transmitted to and received from the camera 236.

  Also in the image recording apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the present invention can be realized by realizing the functional blocks and processing steps of the first to fifth embodiments by the CPU 202.

  The present invention can also be applied to image recording apparatuses other than the image recording apparatus 10 and the PC 200. The present invention can also be provided as an application program applied to the image recording apparatus.

1 is a block diagram showing a photographing apparatus to which an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1 is a functional block diagram showing display control by an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows typically the data structure of the image file F10 The figure which shows typically the data structure of the header of the image file F10 The figure for demonstrating the process of adding and recording image data to the image file F10 The figure for demonstrating the process of adding and recording image data to the image file F10 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart showing the acquisition process of playback display mode Functional block diagram showing display control by the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram showing display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of display control by the image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the main structures of the image recording apparatus which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image recording device, 12 ... CPU, 68 ... Image display part, 80 ... Reproduction display mode acquisition part, 82 ... Display resolution determination part, 84 ... Image acquisition part, 86 ... Header information analysis part, 88 ... Display image judgment part , 90 ... Display image selection section, 92 ... Display image resolution conversion section, 94 ... Display image switching section, 96 ... Image file additional recording section, 98 ... Image display device (monitor), 100 ... Additional write instruction input section, 102: Image recording area remaining capacity determination unit

Claims (12)

Image recording means for recording an image file storing image data;
Display instruction means for receiving an input of a display instruction for the image file;
Output destination information acquisition means for acquiring output destination information indicating the resolution of the display device of the output destination of the image file specified by the display instruction;
Display mode information acquisition means for acquiring display mode information indicating a display mode of the image file specified by the display instruction;
Display resolution calculation means for calculating a display resolution when displaying an image using the image file based on the output destination information and the display mode information;
Image data generating means for generating display image data of the display resolution from image data in the image file;
Image data additional recording means for additionally recording the display image data in the image file;
An image recording apparatus comprising:   2. The image recording according to claim 1, wherein the display image data generation unit generates display image data of the display resolution when the image file does not include image data suitable for the display resolution. apparatus.   The apparatus further comprises switching means for switching a mode between an automatic additional recording mode in which the display image data is additionally recorded in the image file and a non-additional recording mode in which the display image data is not additionally recorded in the image file. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that receives an instruction to select whether or not to additionally record the display image data in the image file. A free space detecting means for detecting a free space of the image recording means;
The image data additional recording means additionally records the display image data in the image file when the free space is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and displays the display image when the free space is less than the predetermined value. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is not additionally recorded in the image file.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rearranging unit that rearranges the additionally recorded facial expression image data in order of increasing data size in the image file. Receiving an input of a display instruction for an image file storing image data recorded in the image recording means;
Obtaining output destination information indicating the resolution of the display method of the output destination of the image file specified by the display instruction;
Obtaining display mode information indicating a display mode of the image file designated by the display instruction;
Based on the output destination information and the display mode information, a display resolution when displaying an image using the image file is calculated,
Generating display image data of the display resolution from the image data in the image file;
An image recording method for additionally recording the display image data in the image file.   The image recording method according to claim 7, wherein display image data having the display resolution is generated when the image file does not include image data matching the display resolution.   The mode is switched between an automatic additional recording mode in which the display image data is additionally recorded in the image file and a non-addition recording mode in which the display image data is not additionally recorded in the image file. Or the image recording method of 8.   The image recording method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an instruction for selecting whether to additionally record the display image data in the image file is received. Detecting free space in the image recording means;
When the free space is a predetermined value or more, the display image data is additionally recorded in the image file, and when the free space is less than the predetermined value, the display image data is stored in the image file. The image recording method according to claim 7, wherein no additional recording is performed.   The image recording method according to claim 7, wherein the additionally recorded facial expression image data is rearranged in the image file in ascending order of data size.

Images